Advantages/Disadvantages to using Orbi RBK50 pair as Wireless Access Points

Question

I use an xFinity wireless router/modem for internet, wireless and VOIP. I understand that I could use the Orbi RBK50 units as access two wireless access points for this router, but am wanting to know what the advantages and disadvantages are of this and whether I would possibly be better off disabling the xFinity wifi and just going with the 2 Orbi's. I realize that going the access point route would potentially give me more coverage (3 wireless signal senders instead of 2) but wonder if I would be losing out on some functions or features by doing this.

Thanks in advance.

netwrks · Answer

YMMV with the Orbi, but... I don't see any advantage to using an Orbi over Ethernet connected Access Points. You can purchase&nbsp;Enterprise Access Points, for less than the cumulative&nbsp;price for an Orbi, and have a stable, secure, wireless network, where 99% of your wireless clients can connect (including IoT stuff). Then there's Guest access with vlans, and more..&nbsp;

Serafin630 · Answer

Thanks but I don't have multiple wired Ethernet connections in my home. Do the Enterprise Access Points work wirelessly?

netwrks · Answer

Yes, but again, based on one's environment, (wall construction type, floors) YMMV..

Serafin630 · Answer

So the Access Points are not Ethernet connected? Sorry to keep at this point but that was your initial description.

netwrks · Answer

Yes, you can bridge Enterprise AP's, but as i mentioned, Your Mileage May Vary.

Success, or failure will be determined, by your home construction (wall types - stone, plaster, gypsum, glass, large mirrors, HVAC, neighbour wifi interference - the list goes on) . That's why some people have great success with the Orbi, and others have constant misery, with wireless disconnects (backhaul or actual client disconnects).

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Advantages/Disadvantages to using Orbi RBK50 pair as Wireless Access Points

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